Ulan Bator, Feb 17 (NationPress) A cultural festival aimed at enhancing winter tourism while celebrating Mongolia's rich nomadic heritage is currently taking place in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia.

The 'Mongols' Winter Festival, co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth alongside various partners, commenced on Sunday at the National Park in Ulan Bator and will continue until February 22.

Festival attendees can engage in the traditions and practices linked to Mongolia's Lunar New Year, also referred to locally as the White Moon Festival. They can savor traditional dishes, admire national attire, and witness the everyday life of nomadic Mongolians. The festival will showcase an array of activities, including winter sports contests and cultural performances, offering a distinctive insight into Mongolia's lively cultural legacy.

Alongside the nomadic festival is the second iteration of the annual international ice and snow festival, Mazaalai. Also hosted at the National Park, this festival seeks to raise awareness about the critically endangered Gobi bear (Mazaalai) and draw more domestic and international visitors, as stated by the ministry.

Participants from roughly 10 nations, including Mongolia, China, Russia, the United States, and Malaysia, are taking part in the festival by crafting ice and snow sculptures under the theme 'Welcome to Mongolia', as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Tourism is regarded as a vital sector in Mongolia's strategy to diversify its economy, which has traditionally relied on its export-driven mining sector. To support this initiative, the government has proclaimed 2023-2028 as the 'Years to Visit Mongolia', aiming to attract at least one million foreign tourists each year.

In 2024, Mongolia welcomed a record 727,400 foreign tourists, marking the highest figure in the nation’s tourism history.